Features - The Outlookhttps://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 08:50:06 -0400Joomla! - Open Source Content Managementen-gboutlook@monmouth.edu (The Outlook)Doing it for the Art: Abstract vs. Traditionalhttps://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5557-doing-it-for-the-art-abstract-vs-traditional
https://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5557-doing-it-for-the-art-abstract-vs-traditionalSlap some color on a canvas, step back, call it a day, and sell it for $50,000. To an untrained artist, this is the process they believe professionals such as Jackson Pollock, Ad Reinhardt, and Mark Rothko practiced as a means of arriving at a valid statement.

This narrow-minded approach as to how abstract art is observed as opposed to traditional art, is what has haunted abstract artists for decades; artists as such receive a great deal of criticism today from the young urban professionals in museums.

To an artist, nothing is more insulting than a blank canvas. Scott Knauer, Director of Galleries and Collections for the University’s Art Department said, “It may take hours or even days to start to see something develop, but time goes by quickly after you get the painting started.” The sustained burden of wonder hovers over the artists and demands a specific outcome.

Producing a work of art from the heart and having it rejected is detrimental to the artist’s mindset and future creations; they present their work for the purpose of receiving feedback and gratification. The artist relies on the viewers’ impressions in order to improve; benefits sometimes include a potential buyer, although, this is not always the case.

]]>s1108940@momouth.edu (MATTHEW AQUINO | ASSOCIATE GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR/ADVERTISING MANAGER)FeaturesWed, 28 Feb 2018 08:40:32 -0500Nothing but Respect for Our [SGA] President: Nick Verziccohttps://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5556-nothing-but-respect-for-our-sga-president-nick-verzicco
https://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5556-nothing-but-respect-for-our-sga-president-nick-verziccoIt’s true that the energy we harvest within ourselves, has a direct impact on those around us. For junior business administration/finance student and Student Government President, Nicholas Verzicco, this impact is nothing but positivity and enthusiasm for Monmouth University.

Verzicco recalls, “I decided to come to Monmouth because of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program which has helped me tremendously in my Monmouth career. The extra support I was going to receive was very appealing to me. Also, the beauty of this campus really made me feel at home. In the sculpture garden by the Koi pond is where I decided that if I get into the EOF program I would come here.”

It was during the summer of 2015 five week EOF program where Vice President for Student Life and Leadership Engagement, Mary Anne Nagy first met Verzicco. Nagy said of Verzicco, “I’ve been here 32 years and have worked with a lot of student leaders, and I have to say, I think Nick is a pretty amazing young man.”

Nagy recalls her first impressions of Verzicco saying, “He’s funny, outgoing and he makes you feel good because he feels good and that’s important.”

As Student Government President and a Student Ambassador for the University, Verzicco knows he has the ability to influence his peers and other students.

Verzicco said, “Being a student leader on campus means that you are a familiar face that students can go to for advice or direction. I take pride in being a student leader and I want my fellow peers to take pride in Monmouth.”

]]>s1108940@momouth.edu (ALEXA OLAH | STAFF WRITER)FeaturesWed, 28 Feb 2018 08:38:14 -0500Suns Shoes Aiming to Make the World a Little Brighterhttps://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5555-suns-shoes-aiming-to-make-the-world-a-little-brighter
https://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5555-suns-shoes-aiming-to-make-the-world-a-little-brighterWith all of the tragedy happening in recent years, one start-up company called SUNS Shoes is aiming to make the world a brighter and happier place for all.

Launched in the summer of 2017, SUNS Shoes set out the goal to kick-start a movement towards positivity in adults, teens and pre-teens who might not have the resources to do grand gestures for their community. SUNS focuses on encouraging positive thinking, gratitude, empathy, and random Acts of Kindness (AOKs) under their “BE KIND AND SHINE ON” rallying.

Holding open the door for someone, telling a friend how much they appreciate him or her, or even just helping a person in need are only a few ways to perform AOKs. The founders were inspired by research on how the community is affected and positive psychology of performing simple AOKs, and by the invigorating energy of the sun.

Shoes for both women and children, each style of SUNS is uniquely designed to transform when exposed to sunlight, shifting to more vibrant tones and patterns. Changes can occur in the canvas, rubber sidewall and laces of the shoes. The shoes may be completely white inside, but step into the sunlight and the shoes change to blue right before your eyes.

Ariana Murdocca, a junior communication student explained, “Just looking at them and watching them change color makes me happy.” However, the product itself is a shoe, the brand focuses significantly on the message behind it.

After the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, two young Boston locals, Kaya and Maddie wondered if the two bombers had more kindness in their lives maybe they would have never carried out such a heinous act. They remembered reading a news article about the two brothers disliking school and rarely getting along with their classmates. They thought, “Maybe if their formative years had been a different experience, would the outcome of that fateful day have been any different?”

]]>s1108940@momouth.edu (KARALYN HOOVER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER)FeaturesWed, 28 Feb 2018 08:36:30 -0500What is Love? How to Not Let Your Baby Hurt You No Morehttps://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5538-what-is-love-how-to-not-let-your-baby-hurt-you-no-more
https://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5538-what-is-love-how-to-not-let-your-baby-hurt-you-no-moreLove is an emotion that so many people have attempted to understand, but have failed. With the feeling of love so much more impactful than anything, love has taken over the minds of a vast majority of college students.

The modern concept of love is somewhat of a challenge; how does one get past the communication hurdle or how does one know when there is true love? These difficulties hinder the minds of people wanting to accept love, causing them to overthink and not accept when love is right in front of them.

However, the question remains, what is love? Love is the intense and deep feelings of affection. Usually, this fondness is shared between people. In addition, true love brings loyalty and trust between the partners involved; love is not something someone can go to the store and buy, but it is something that people must let come to them by itself. When in love, there should not be a reward or a punishment, but more so an everyday feeling and admiration for someone else. With all of these components, misunderstandings and mistakes can be seen as inevitable.

To begin, communicating between partners is a tricky portion of love. In the 21st century, technology has strained the smoothness of communication that times before did not have; for example, social media apps such as Tinder and Snapchat have contributed to this. Though Tinder was made for people who wanted to find love, often times it is used as a hook up outlet for its users.

Since Tinder’s showcasing in 2012, it has found a new meaning, but there are still a few who would rather keep the traditional views of the dating app and use it to find a real partner and love interaction.

She is proudly a transgender woman and works part-time at Voyagers, a progressive school for K-12 youth in Eatontown, NJ. She also serves as Vice President of Sexuality, Pride, Education, Community, Truth, Respect, and Unity at Monmouth (S.P.E.C.T.R.U.M), the on-campus LGBTQ+ group that participates in a number of activist-driven events.

Rapaglia has been a member of the club since fall of 2016 and has been involved in countless events such as the weekly club meetings, the diversity open mic night and intersectionality week with the ally clubs. She also participates in the annual coming out day held outside of the Rebecca Stafford Student Center.

Rapaglia actively circulates ideas to the club by listening to what her peers have to say and by voicing her creative and unique perspectives on how to bridge LGBTQ+ folks and allies in a community, which promotes pluralistic ideas.

“Chris is a very generous and loving person and has made me feel welcome in S.P.E.C.T.R.U.M and other club group meetings. She always has the best interest of everyone at heart,” said Bianca Zazzarini Leon, a sophomore English student. Her compassion and genial personality has led her to be an admirable and successful role model in the LGBTQ+ community both on and off campus.

Being a social work student, Rapaglia is able to take her activism a step further and use the valuable lessons she learns in the classroom, and apply them through a lens which promotes inclusivity both with the LGBTQ+ club and in the jobs she pursues.

]]>s1108940@momouth.edu (JANE LAI | CONTRIBUTING WRITER)FeaturesWed, 21 Feb 2018 10:40:13 -0500Building a Brand 101https://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5536-building-a-brand-101
https://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5536-building-a-brand-101We have arrived at a point in time where everyone’s building something for themselves-- which is rad, don’t get me wrong. But, let me ask you, what is going to make what you’re building any different? Everyone’s passionate, everyone’s creative, everyone’s got soul, so that kind of leaves everyone at a plateau, right? Wrong. That won’t be me; that won’t be us.

I’ve been around the block in terms of trying to cultivate a brand, whether it be jewelry or a blog, at the end of the day, it’s an art form. A brand is who you are, who you want to be, and who you want to inspire, so creating the look doesn’t happen over night and doesn’t stay the same for long.

I mean, just look how I started out: all the way from a Word Document to this bad ass logo I had created and recreated custom for me by @LittleLiasArt.

Getting a little taste of what I’m getting at here? Cool, let’s begin.

Step one is to envision.

Make a vision board for your brand. I did this for my class; we made a one to five year plan vision board and it honestly lit such a fire under my butt.

It may sound silly, but it gives you a tangible item that motivates you. You can insert pictures and take them off until you find just the right vibe that suits you.

Step two is important, you have to remember that everyone has a beginning, even you.

]]>s1108940@momouth.edu (NICOLE INGRAFFIA | ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR)FeaturesWed, 21 Feb 2018 10:38:19 -0500MU Takes mtvUhttps://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5535-mu-takes
https://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5535-mu-takesSophia Parola, a senior communication student who specializes in radio and TV, secured a position with MTV’s on-air college programing, MTVU. Parola is from Manalapan, NJ and is a full-time student at Monmouth University planning to graduate in May 2018.

At MTVU, Parola’s position is a Video Jockey (VJ). “Basically, I am the host for segments that the channel puts up. I introduce music videos, episodes, and I help brainstorm ideas for content, and I also have the opportunity to create and produce some.”

Parola expanded, “It’s a very relaxed position. There’s no set schedule. My boss will contact me about new projects, and I say, ‘yes’ and then we do it! Sometimes I will go to the studio in New York, or stay on campuses. It’s a really fun and stress-free position.”

Through the Viacom Media Networks, MTVU is broadcasted through 750 college campuses across the United States. The music featured on the channel spans from indie, rock, pop, punk, to hip-hop.

In regard to landing the position, Parola felt that just being herself was what most enhanced her talents. “In my audition tape I was loud, silly, very nice to the camera guy and director, always trying to smile, and just having fun. They liked my energy. I think the qualities you need as host is being natural, number one, and also bringing your personality to the screen-- your real personality--not someone you think they want to see, just you.”

Parola had a background in television through her training at Brookdale Community College. “I’ve been working for BrookdaleTV as a host since 2013, so I’m very used to talking on camera. Also I take acting classes so I am good with improvisation, memorizing lines, and taking a script and performing it--which is basically what you do as a host. I never have any problems going up to someone random to ask questions, making a fool out of myself, or thinking on my feet.

The turnout at Woods Theatre was large, ultimately making the final decision extremely difficult, but by the end of the night, the class was able to choose five artists to feature on their newest album.

The artists, all of various majors and years, include Brianna Scangarello, Wynward, Brad Kraft, Francesca Longiro, and duo Shadiyah Belton and Carlos Flores!

The chosen artists will be recording each of their songs at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park, New Jersey and for some, this will be their first experience in the studio.

Brianna Scangarello will be recording her song “Hold on Close.” “I was honestly really nervous to audition, but my friends in the band Malibu, who were on the Blue Hawk Records’ Volume 11 Compilation Album, were also playing with me, so that definitely helped calm the nerves” said Scangarello.

“It was such a fun experience, and when I got the call that I made it onto the album, I started jumping and screaming from excitement.”

“Everyone in Blue Hawk Records is really cool and great to work with and I’m so excited and grateful that I get the opportunity to learn more about the industry, while doing something I love, alongside some really great people,” she continued.

]]>s1108940@momouth.edu (HANNAH CLYNE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER)FeaturesWed, 14 Feb 2018 10:46:56 -0500Privilege, Identity, and Androgyny in Clothinghttps://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5508-privilege-identity-and-androgyny-in-clothing
https://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5508-privilege-identity-and-androgyny-in-clothingI became interested in dressing androgynously (between the typical male and female fashion) more out of mere comfort than from establishing an identity.

It started when I was 11 years old, making my mom buy me t-shirt after t-shirt from Hot Topic. These shirts were usually labeled as men’s smalls, printed with the art of a band I listened to at the time, and they were always far too big on me. I complimented my look with colored jeans that were never too tight or too loose, and a pair of plain Vans.

At the time, the fashion for girls were neon-colored tank tops, large hoop earrings, and skinny blue jeans, finished off with the Juicy Couture faux-fur lined zipper hoodie. When I looked in the mirror in the mornings, there was no way my figure would vibe well with those pieces.

Several years down the line, after I moved away from my Hot Topic phase, the clothes that I donned became a little more than just for the sake comfort. It manifested in an identity I was able to craft for myself, and with total control.

Being able to dress a certain way became a safe haven of self-expression wherein I was able to pinpoint exact moments in my life through my clothing.

For instance, I have this pair of striped socks that I fell in love with while I was in Vermont with two of my best friends. It was this small shop tucked away on the main streets of Brattleboro and the owner and I talked endlessly about the origins of the printmaking factory in the center of town.

]]>s1108940@momouth.edu (JANE LAI | CONTRIBUTING WRITER)FeaturesWed, 14 Feb 2018 10:45:06 -0500Beauty Standards: Today's Societyhttps://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5507-beauty-standards-today-s-society
https://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5507-beauty-standards-today-s-societyBeauty standards in the 21st century have been filled with negative stereotypes for both men and women. Being harmful for all, these standards lead to one being filled with depression, negative self-image, and even anxiety due to not being able to love themselves fully.

After not fulfilling the stereotypes of what society believes someone should be, these boys and girls live their lives in a silent pain.Many view themselves as “too fat” or “too ugly” to live through everyday life. Young men and women are led to believe that they do not fit the unrealistic beauty standards presented to them.

Due to this, boys and girls isolate themselves, causing their childhoods to be filled with bad memories and no social skills for later in life. Even though society wants to believe that these instances only occur during the adolescent years of one’s life, these issues are also present in the older years too. How crazy is it that even at 18 to 25 years old people judge each other based on weight, how much makeup someone wears, or what brand clothes someone has on?

Katlin Onorato, a sophomore social work student, explained that “[she] has been exposed to such rude and childish behavior, but it has only made her realize that [she] loves [her]self more.” Though Kate has turned her experience into a positive one, she is in the small percentage capable of doing this. There are those at Monmouth who haven’t been as lucky. For example, Shannon McGorty, a sophomore health studies student, stated that “even now there are many who judge me for not being the size of a toothpick and for not dressing in a tube top and mini skirt to go out to parties.”

]]>s1108940@momouth.edu (EMILY CONDRON | STAFF WRITER)FeaturesWed, 14 Feb 2018 10:43:09 -0500Student Spotlight: Lauren Gnoinskihttps://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5506-student-spotlight-lauren-gnoinski
https://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/features/123-volume-90-fall-2017-spring-2018/5506-student-spotlight-lauren-gnoinskiFreshman year can be an overwhelming experience. For many, it’s their first time away from home, their first time managing their own lives, and their first time living as an adult. For those looking back on their freshman year, there is undeniable growth. Confusing, exhilarating, and for some, difficult, the experiences freshmen have are transformative at 18 or 19. However, being a freshman later on in life is a completely difference entirely, at least, it is for Lauren Gnoinski.

For Gnoinski, a freshman education student, her first year experience is unique in with her fellow classmates. Graduating from Nutley High School in the spring of 2015, Gnoinski’s future path led to Monmouth University. College was the next step for the majority of her friends and classmates, but ultimately was not hers, at least, not for years to come.

That summer, Gnoinski decided that she needed to follow her heart and her dream of attending cosmetology school. Growing up with a passion for doing hair and makeup, she knew it was something she had to do or she would regret it for the rest of her life. “I wanted to work in a salon and I followed what interested me the most. You don’t have to write an admission assay but you still apply and have an interview process but you don’t test or anything. I went to Parisian Beauty Academy in Hackensack New Jersey. “

Gnoinski was able to study hair, skin, and nails, but enjoyed doing hair the most. “Doing hair gave me the power to be creative and transform people and make them happy. When other people are happy, I am happy.” Even though she was happy doing what she was doing, Gnoinski still felt that she wanted to expand her education in makeup.